Oslo, 25 November 2023 (TDI): The Norway Government has announced NOK 470 million (approximately USD 44 million) to support the people of Palestine in this Catastrophic situation. This significant contribution brings Norway’s total support for the Palestinians in 2023 to more than NOK 1.5 billion.
Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim emphasized the urgency of the situation and stated, “After nearly seven weeks of fighting, the humanitarian needs are enormous and will continue to increase into the winter. The hope is that a pause in hostilities will make it possible to provide more humanitarian assistance.
The additional allocation of NOK 370 million will be utilized to provide essential resources such as food, water, medicines, protection, and other life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza. This funding is in addition to the NOK 200 million already allocated for relief efforts in Gaza following the events of 7 October.
Gaza’s current situation is dire, with 1.7 million Palestinians internally displaced out of a total population of 2.2 million. UN shelters, schools, and warehouses are overflowing with people who have lost everything. Infectious diseases and diarrhea are rapidly spreading, particularly among children, and heavy rains have further intensified the crisis.
With the announced ceasefire, permission has been granted for 300 lorries carrying emergency aid to enter Gaza daily. However, this level is still insufficient compared to the aid delivered before 7 October. The World Food Programme has issued warnings about the threat of widespread hunger due to the collapse of food production and distribution systems.
Minister Tvinnereim expressed particular concern about the dire food shortage in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for food assistance to prevent hunger. The additional support includes responding to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s appeal by providing NOK 30 million for food security efforts in Gaza.
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The additional funds will be channeled through Norway’s local partners in Gaza, with allocations for the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Norwegian humanitarian organizations.
Simultaneously, Norway is intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure the immediate provision of more aid to Gaza. Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide urged the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing during the temporary ceasefire, emphasizing the critical need to deliver aid to civilians while hostilities are suspended.
